wills-probate

Inheritance tax: married couples vs unmarried partners and the spouse exemption

The inheritance tax nil-rate band is 325,000 pounds per person. Married couples and civil partners benefit from the spouse exemption, but unmarried partners do not. The residence nil-rate band can increase the allowance, and couples can pass on up to 1 million pounds.

19 Aug 2026 · 6 min read

Wedding Law Reform: Where Couples Could Legally Marry Next

The government launched a 10-week consultation on 16 July 2026 to overhaul weddings law for the first time in almost 200 years, letting couples marry in venues from beaches to cruise ships and aiming to cut the average £20,000 wedding bill.

16 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

How Much Does It Cost to Contest Probate in the UK?

Contesting probate starts with a low-cost caveat but carries real financial risk under the courts' costs rules. Here is what it costs to start, and what losing can cost you.

5 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Probate Valuation Costs: Property, Contents and Shares (2026)

Probate requires an estate to be valued for inheritance tax purposes before you can apply. Here is what must be valued, the official disbursement fees involved, and HMRC's role.

5 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Probate Solicitor Fees UK: Fixed Fee vs Hourly vs Percentage (2026)

Solicitors use three main fee structures for probate: fixed fee, hourly rate, and percentage of estate value. SRA transparency rules require firms to publish this pricing.

5 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

DIY Probate: How to Get Probate Without a Solicitor and What It Costs

Applying for probate yourself limits your costs to the HMCTS fee and copy charges. This guide covers the PA1P and PA1A forms, the online route, timescales, and when DIY is not appropriate.

5 Jul 2026 · 4 min read

How Much Does Probate Cost in the UK? Every Fee Explained (2026)

The HMCTS probate application fee is £300 for estates over £5,000, free below that. It rises to £526 from 13 July 2026. Here is every component cost, sourced.

5 Jul 2026 · 5 min read

Asylum Accommodation Costs 2026: How the New Contribution Charge Will Work

The Immigration and Asylum Bill introduces a flat-rate charge requiring asylum seekers who can afford it to repay part of their accommodation and support costs. Here is who pays, how the threshold works, and what it means for settlement.

30 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

IHT Pension Inclusion UK 2027: How Pensions Will Be Brought Into Inheritance Tax

From April 2027, unused pension funds will be included in the inheritance tax estate for the first time. This guide explains what changes, who is affected, and what steps pension holders can take now.

29 Jun 2026 · 5 min read

Unclaimed Estates UK: How to Search the Bona Vacantia List and Make a Claim

When someone dies with no will and no known relatives, their estate passes to the Crown as bona vacantia. The GOV.UK list was updated 29 June 2026. How to search it, who can claim and the time limits.

29 Jun 2026 · 7 min read

Before You Port Your Mortgage: What Your Lender Will Not Tell You

Porting transfers your existing mortgage rate to a new property but requires lender approval and a new affordability check.

25 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Homebase Administration: What Creditors Are Owed and Why Most Will Get Nothing

A new administrator report reveals the scale of losses for Homebase creditors following the DIY chain collapse in 2025. Nearly 1,300 unsecured creditors submitted claims totalling £693 million but only £800,000 is expected to be distributed.

12 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Inheritance Tax UK: Thresholds, Exemptions, the 7-Year Rule and 2026 Changes

UK inheritance tax is charged at 40% on estates above the nil-rate band. This guide covers every threshold, exemption, and relief - including the residence nil-rate band, gifts, the 7-year rule, and the 2026 freeze.

12 Jun 2026 · 6 min read

Late Inheritance Tax Return UK: Penalties, Interest and How to Appeal

Missing the inheritance tax deadline triggers automatic penalties and interest from HMRC. Here is what the penalties are, how much you could owe and how to appeal a penalty.

16 Jun 2026 · 2 min read

Inheritance Tax and Life Insurance UK 2026: Using Life Cover to Fund an IHT Bill

Life insurance written in trust can provide funds to pay an inheritance tax bill without adding to the taxable estate. This guide explains how whole of life policies in trust work, what the seven-year rule means, and how to use life cover in IHT planning.

15 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

Probate and Executor Home Insurance UK 2026: Cover for Inherited Properties

Properties inherited or being administered through probate need specialist insurance. This guide covers what probate property insurance covers, what executors need to arrange, and how unoccupied property conditions affect cover during the estate administration period.

15 Jun 2026 · 2 min read

Estate Agent Insurance UK 2026: PI, Cyber and Professional Cover

Estate agents and letting agents need professional indemnity, cyber insurance, and public liability. This guide covers what estate agent insurance includes, what RICS and ARLA require, and what client money protection covers.

15 Jun 2026 · 2 min read

Executor of a Will UK: Duties, Responsibilities and Step-by-Step Timeline

An executor is legally responsible for administering a deceased person's estate. This guide explains executor duties, personal liability, the timeline and when to instruct a solicitor.

6 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

The Probate Process UK: Step-by-Step Guide to Administering an Estate

Probate is the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate. This guide explains when probate is required, how to apply, what it costs and how long it takes in England and Wales.

6 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Lasting Power of Attorney UK: How to Set One Up and What It Covers

A lasting power of attorney lets you appoint someone to make decisions if you lose mental capacity. This guide explains the two types of LPA, how to register one and what the Mental Capacity Act 2005 requires.

6 Jun 2026 · 4 min read

Cost of Making a Will UK: Solicitor Fees, Online Wills and Free Options

The cost of making a will in the UK ranges from free to over £500 depending on complexity. This guide covers solicitor fees, online will services, and what free will-writing schemes are available.

6 Jun 2026 · 3 min read

UK Cohabitation Rights Consultation: What Unmarried Couples Need to Know Now

The Ministry of Justice launched a 10-week consultation on 5 June 2026 proposing inheritance rights and property claims for 3.5 million cohabiting couples. The consultation closes 14 August 2026. No law has changed. Unmarried partners still have no automatic inheritance rights.

16 Jun 2026 · 4 min read